Uber and Lyft Accidents

Uber and Lyft Accident Attorneys in Costa Mesa

When you hire a taxi or limo service, you can rest assured knowing that the driving company has taken extra care to ensure their drivers are competent, trained, and safe. When you hire a rideshare service, though, Uber and Lyft don’t assume responsibility for your safety quite the same way. No training is required to become a rideshare driver. That’s because all rideshare drivers are independent contractors, not employees.

That also means getting involved in a Costa Mesa Lyft or Uber accident as a passenger that involves injuries is much more complicated than a typical motor vehicle accident.

If you’ve recently been involved in a rideshare accident, then don’t hesitate to hire an Uber accident lawyer in Costa Mesa. Our personal injury attorneys will help you determine what caused the crash, who is responsible, and where you can seek out compensation.

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Why Mesa Accident Lawyers Should Be Your Top Choice

After getting into a rideshare accident, it’s crucial to make sure you hire the right Uber or Lyft accident attorney to represent you. Hiring the wrong lawyer will not only be a waste of time and money, but it could ultimately ruin your opportunity to seek out compensation, too.

The good news is that you can rest assured knowing you’re in good hands if you hire Mesa Accident Lawyers. We have ample experience representing rideshare accident clients, and we have a track record of success to back up our claims. Even better, we’re available to communicate with our clients 24/7. If you hire our firm, then we’ll be available to answer your legal questions anytime.

Another reason why our Costa Mesa law firm is a top choice is that we won’t charge you to inquire about your personal injury case. If you’re not sure if you even have the basis to seek out a personal injury claim, then you can take advantage of our free consultation to find out. Further, if we think we can help you, then we can work with you on a contingency basis. A contingency payment structure means that you won’t have to pay us unless your personal injury case is won.

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Benefits of Hiring an Uber Accident Lawyer

It is possible to represent yourself throughout your rideshare claim, but the process won’t be easy. An experienced lawyer will help ensure that you get the maximum amount of compensation possible, while also taking the lead in negotiations with the responsible parties. They’ll help you file the proper paperwork and collect all the necessary evidence you’ll need to prove your arguments. Someone with little to no experience will not know what key variables are needed in order to win a rideshare claim. In addition, a skilled Uber and Lyft lawyer will handle the details of your personal injury claim so that you can focus on your physical recovery.

 

How Much Is a Costa Mesa Rideshare Accident Claim Worth?

Before pursuing a Uber or Lyft claim after an accident, you want to make sure it’s worth your time and effort to do so. In order to figure that out, you need to have an estimate of how much your rideshare accident claim is worth. Whether you were a passenger in the rideshare or driving another vehicle that was hit by the Uber or Lyft driver, the personal injury claim should cover every loss you endured as a result of the accident. That includes losses like:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages from missed work
  • Future medical care
  • Disability payments

Your rideshare accident could be worth more if the liable party was extremely reckless, you’ll suffer long-term losses, or you suffered emotional distress. Speak with an Uber and Lyft lawyer if you need more clarification about how much your claim could be worth.

insurance coverage in a costa mesa auto accident

Common Causes of Costa Mesa Rideshare Accidents

Like other types of car accidents, human error causes most rideshare accidents. Unlike other types of crashes, distractions are much more of a threat for rideshare drivers, though. That’s because Uber and Lyft drivers are attempting to multitask – they’re driving, constantly looking at the GPS, getting new ride updates from the app, and sometimes attempting to navigate in unfamiliar areas, too. These challenges are the top cause of rideshare accidents.

Here are a few other top causes of Orange County motor vehicle accidents:

  • Speeding
  • Inexperience
  • Fatigue
  • Failure to obey traffic laws
  • Aggressive driving
  • Poor weather
  • Poor road infrastructure
  • Mechanical failure

Determining Liability After a Lyft or Uber Accident

Figuring out what caused your rideshare accident is only one piece of the puzzle. You’ll also need to determine who is responsible for the financial losses associated with the crash, which means determining who is liable for the accident. Costa Mesa courtrooms operate on a comparative negligence standard, which means each driver will be responsible for the accident based on their percentage of fault. Negligence means that:

  • The driver had a duty to provide for other motorists and the rider’s care
  • The party breached its duty to provide this care
  • This breach of duty directly caused the accident
  • The accident led to specific injuries

If multiple drivers were involved and you were in the middle of a rideshare trip, things can get complicated. Multiple parties could be held partially responsible, which leaves you scrambling to get compensation from different parties. Don't deal with an insurance company alone. An insurance company will want to avoid a large payout and will try to find reasons to offer you a low settlement. Further, Uber and Lyft will likely try to minimize your claim, too.

Common Injuries Sustained in Lyft and Uber Accidents

During a Lyft or Uber ride, passengers usually sit in the backseat. That means certain types of injuries are more common in rideshare accidents, like injuries to the head and brain. Chest injuries are also common. Here are some more of the most common types of injuries after auto accidents:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Chest injuries
  • Brain bleeds
  • Bruising and fractures in the rib area
  • Broken bones
  • Whiplash
  • Spinal damage
  • Internal injuries

These injuries can be much worse if you fail to wear your seatbelt in the backseat. If you notice a lot of loose objects before the drive gets started, then you could also ask to move or secure those items before you get on the road.

Keep in mind that many car accident injuries have delayed symptoms due to the adrenaline and other chemicals present after a crash. You may not even realize you’re injured right away. For that reason, it’s important to get medical treatment even if you think your injuries are minor.

car accident lawyer can help in a personal injury lawsuit
orange county personal injury lawyer

What to Do After a Costa Mesa Rideshare Accident

If you get involved in a rideshare accident, then the first thing you need to do is ensure your immediate safety. Check and make sure that you’re not seriously injured. If you are in immediate danger, then exit the vehicle and get somewhere safe. This applies to both passengers in an Uber or Lyft, as well as anyone who was in another vehicle and got hit by the rideshare driver.

Once you’ve done so, make sure someone calls the police. Sometimes, rideshare drivers might discourage you and anyone else involved from calling the authorities. There are several reasons why they might not want to involve the police, but it’s important to involve the authorities to ensure that the accident gets officially documented in a police report. Without this report, it will be difficult to prove that an accident even happened.

While you wait for authorities, start to collect evidence at the scene. Take photographs of the vehicles, any immediate and severe injuries, and information regarding your rideshare experience. Take down the contact information of any nearby witnesses, the Uber or Lyft driver, and the other driver involved in the crash. Once the police arrive, they’ll open an initial investigation into the situation and attempt to determine who was at fault for the crash.

Next, you need to see a doctor for a full physical evaluation. Sometimes, car accident injuries can have delayed symptoms, so it’s important to get checked out even if you’re not sure if you’re hurt. If your doctor does diagnose you with an injury or condition, then keep a copy of that diagnosis for your records. Get copies of any medical bills you get, too.

Your next step is to seek out a reputable Uber and Lyft accident lawyer in your local area. A reliable attorney will help you determine if you have the basis to seek out a claim for compensation.

What to Do After a Costa Mesa Rideshare Accident

If you get involved in a rideshare accident, then the first thing you need to do is ensure your immediate safety. Check and make sure that you’re not seriously injured. If you are in immediate danger, then exit the vehicle and get somewhere safe. This applies to both passengers in an Uber or Lyft, as well as anyone who was in another vehicle and got hit by the rideshare driver.

Once you’ve done so, make sure someone calls the police. Sometimes, rideshare drivers might discourage you and anyone else involved from calling the authorities. There are several reasons why they might not want to involve the police, but it’s important to involve the authorities to ensure that the accident gets officially documented in a police report. Without this report, it will be difficult to prove that an accident even happened.

While you wait for authorities, start to collect evidence at the scene. Take photographs of the vehicles, any immediate and severe injuries, and information regarding your rideshare experience. Take down the contact information of any nearby witnesses, the Uber or Lyft driver, and the other driver involved in the crash. Once the police arrive, they’ll open an initial investigation into the situation and attempt to determine who was at fault for the crash.

Next, you need to see a doctor for a full physical evaluation. Sometimes, car accident injuries can have delayed symptoms, so it’s important to get checked out even if you’re not sure if you’re hurt. If your doctor does diagnose you with an injury or condition, then keep a copy of that diagnosis for your records. Get copies of any medical bills you get, too.

Your next step is to seek out a reputable Uber and Lyft accident lawyer in your local area. A reliable attorney will help you determine if you have the basis to seek out a claim for compensation.

orange county personal injury lawyer

Are You Looking For an Uber Accident Lawyer in Costa Mesa?

After getting involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, it’s normal to assume that the rideshare company will take care of your medical expenses and lost wages in the event of an injury. It’s a surprise to most when they learn that their rideshare driver is considered an "independent contractor" and not an employee of Lyft or Uber. This minor distinction makes a huge legal difference when it comes to liability.

If you were recently involved in a rideshare accident as a passenger, then it’s best to discuss your situation with an Uber accident lawyer in Costa Mesa. A personal injury lawyer will help you identify who is potentially liable after your accident and how to proceed in order to get the financial compensation you deserve.

Are you ready to reach out to a personal injury lawyer in Costa Mesa after getting injured as a rideshare passenger? Contact Mesa Accident Lawyers now to get in touch with one of our best Uber accident lawyers. Call us for a free consultation today.